In an explosive, pyrotechnic device or military munition, a fuse (or fuze) is the part of the device that initiates function. An explosive material is a material that either is chemically or otherwise Energetically unstable or produces a sudden expansion of the material usually accompanied The term "pyrotechnics" can also be used for Fireworks events Ammunition, often referred to as ammo, is a generic term derived from the French language la munition which In common usage, the word fuse is used indiscriminately. However, when being specific (and in particular in a military context), the term fuse describes a simple pyrotechnic detonating device, like the cord on a firecracker, whereas the term fuze is used to indicate a more sophisticated ignition device incorporating mechanical and/or electronic components e. A firecracker (also known as a cracker, noise maker, banger or bunger) is a small Explosive device primarily designed to produce g. a proximity fuze for an M107 artillery shell, magnetic/acoustic fuze on a sea mine, spring-loaded grenade fuze^[1][2][3], pencil detonator or anti-handling device. A proximity fuze (also called a VT fuze for "variable time" is a fuze that is designed to detonate an explosive device automatically when the distance The M107 155mm projectile is the US Army and US Marine Corps' A shell is a payload-carrying Projectile, which as opposed to shot, contains an explosive or other filling though modern usage includes large solid projectiles A magnetometer is a scientific instrument used to measure the strength and/or direction of the Magnetic field in the vicinity of the instrument Acoustic signature is used to describe a combination of acoustic emissions of ships and submarines A naval mine is a self-contained Explosive device placed in water to destroy Ships or Submarines Unlike Depth charges mines are deposited Introduced during World War II, a pencil detonator or time pencil is a chemically activated time fuze designed to be connected to a Detonator An Anti-handling device is an attachment to or integral part of a Landmine, designed to prevent tampering

Contents 1 History 1.1 Fuses 1.2 Usage 1.3 Types 2 Burning Fuses 3 Munition fuzes 3.1 Types 3.2 Usage 4 See also 5 References 6 External links 7 Gallery of Fuzes

History

The simplest form of fuse is the burning fuse, believed to date back to the 10th century and originating in China, this simple fuse consisted of lightweight paper filled with loose gunpowder, and served as a means of delaying ignition in fireworks. A shell is a payload-carrying Projectile, which as opposed to shot, contains an explosive or other filling though modern usage includes large solid projectiles China ( Wade-Giles ( Mandarin) Chung¹kuo² is a cultural region, an ancient Civilization, and depending on perspective a National This simple form of burning fuse can still be found today in many modern pyrotechnics. A firework is classified as a low explosive pyrotechnic device used primarily for aesthetic and entertainment purposes A version of this simple fuse is called visco fuse, and consists of the burning core coated with wax or lacquer for durability and water resistance. A visco fuse is a higher quality fuse used for consumer Fireworks. The commercial and military version of a burning fuse referred to as safety fuse (invented by William Bickford) is a textile tube filled with combustible material and wrapped to prevent external exposure of the burning core. William Bickford (1774 - 1834 was born in Ashburton, Devon, England, and moved to first Truro and then Tuckingmill in Cornwall Safety fuses are used to initiate the detonation of explosives through the use of a blasting cap. A blasting cap is a small Explosive device generally used to detonate a larger more powerful Explosive such as Dynamite.

Fuses

Modern day safety fuses are often used in mining and military operations, to provide a time-delay before ignition, and they more often than not are used to initiate an explosive detonator, thereby starting an explosive chain reaction to detonate a larger more stable main charge. Mining is the extraction of valuable Minerals or other geological materials from the earth usually (but not always from an Ore body A military is an Organization authorized by its Nation to use force usually including use of Weapons in defending its Country (or by attacking For the Ratt album see Detonator (album A detonator is a device used to trigger an Explosive device. Safety fuses are typically colored black (military) or fluorescent orange (commercial) to distinguish them from detonating cords such as Primacord, which are brightly colored or transparent. Detonating cord (also called detonation cord, detacord, det cord, detcord, primer cord or sun cord) is a thin flexible Primacord is a Registered trademark of Detonating cord used in blasting originally manufactured by the Ensign-Bickford Company.

Usage

Fuses are found in fireworks, model cannons, antique smoothbore firearms, some improvised explosive devices and many forms of pyrotechnics. | NOTE Throughout this article "cannon" is used as BOTH the || singular and plural A firearm is a Tool that projects either single or multiple Projectiles at high velocity through a controlled explosion An improvised explosive device ( IED) is a Bomb constructed and deployed in ways other than in conventional Military action A firework is classified as a low explosive pyrotechnic device used primarily for aesthetic and entertainment purposes

Types

Burning Fuses

• A slow match is a very slow-burning fuse consisting of a hemp or cotton rope saturated with an oxidizer such as potassium nitrate. Slow match or match cord is the very slow burning cord or twine fuse used by early Gunpowder Musketeers, artillerymen and soldiers to ignite This article is about the cultivation and uses of industrial hemp not its psychoactive cousin Cannabis (drug. Cotton is a soft staple Fibre that grows around the seeds of the cotton plant ( Gossypium sp Potassium nitrate is a Chemical compound with the Chemical formula K[[Nitrogen N]] O 3 Slow matches are used as a source of fire for manually lighting other devices, such as matchlock guns, or fuses on black powder cannons. The Matchlock was the first mechanism or "lock" invented to uncomplicate the firing of a hand-held firearm Before percussion caps, slow matches were most suitable for use around black powder weapons because it could be roughly handled without going out, and only presented a small glowing tip instead of a large flame that risked igniting powder supplies nearby.
• Today's punks (wood splints covered with ground plant pith or dung and then saturated with nitrate) used for lighting consumer fireworks are a type of slow match. "Punks" directs to the Punk subculture and for more information on the music see Punk rock.
• A Black match is a type of fuse consisting of cotton string coated with a dried slurry of black powder and glue. In Pyrotechnics, black match is a type of crude fuse, constructed of Cotton string fibers intimately coated with a dried Black powder slurry This acts as a simple pass-fire, and was used to fire ancient cannons. They are used today in fireworks construction.
• A quick match or piped match is a type of black powder fuse that burns very quickly, some hundreds of feet per second. In Pyrotechnics, black match is a type of crude fuse, constructed of Cotton string fibers intimately coated with a dried Black powder slurry In Pyrotechnics, black match is a type of crude fuse, constructed of Cotton string fibers intimately coated with a dried Black powder slurry They consist of black matche covered with a loose paper wrap (pipe). When lit, the flame propagates quickly down the paper pipe from the hot gases produced by the burning powder. Quick matches are used in professional fireworks displays to pass fire nearly instantly between devices that must be physically separated while firing simultaneously, such as a finale rack. Devices which should fire in sequence can be branched from a single master fuse, consisting of quick match spliced onto Visco fuses of various length for time delays.
• A visco fuse has a core of black powder with one or more textile overwraps, The outer layers may be coated with wax or nitrocellulose lacquer for water resistance. A visco fuse is a higher quality fuse used for consumer Fireworks. Gunpowder is a an explosive mixture of Sulfur, Charcoal and Potassium nitrate (also known as saltpetre/saltpeter that burns rapidly producing volumes In a general sense lacquer is a clear or coloured Varnish, that dries by solvent evaporation and often a curing process as well that produces a hard durable finish in any These fuses are widely used in modern pyrotechnics because they burn at a uniform rate, with an easily visible external flame. The term "pyrotechnics" can also be used for Fireworks events Depending on their outer treatment, visco fuses are water resistant and the better quality can burn reliably underwater once lit, since the black powder core provides both its own fuel and oxidant.
• A safety fuse consists of a black powder core in a textile tube, covered with asphaltum or other waterproofing agent, and having an outer wrapper of tough textile or plastic. Gunpowder is a an explosive mixture of Sulfur, Charcoal and Potassium nitrate (also known as saltpetre/saltpeter that burns rapidly producing volumes Asphalt ( is a sticky black and highly viscous liquid or semi-solid that is present in most crude Petroleums and in some natural deposits sometimes termed asphaltum They are made in a standard diameter designed to be crimped into blasting caps. A blasting cap is a small Explosive device generally used to detonate a larger more powerful Explosive such as Dynamite. ^[4] Once ignited, safety fuses will burn underwater, and have no external flame that might ignite methane or other fuels such as might be found in mines or other industrial environments. Safety fuses are manufactured with specified burn times per 30 cm, e. g. 60 seconds, which means that a length of fuse 30 cm long will take 60 seconds to burn. Manufacturers warn that although every effort is made to insure uniform burn times, safety fuses are subject to variation depending on conditions and should be used with adequate safety margins.
• An Igniter Safety Fuse Electric (ISFE) lights a main fuse or device when activated by an electrical current. An electric match is a device that uses an externally applied Electric current to ignite a combustible compound They typically consist of a pair of wires leading to a thin resistance wire that heats when current is applied. The resistance wire is covered by a bit of pyrotechnic composition that ignites from the wire heating, providing enough fire to reliably ignite the main fuse via a mechanical connection, or the device directly. Estes model rocket motors are lit by a type of electric match. Estes Industries (AKA Estes-Cox Corporation is a company based in Penrose Colorado, USA that designs and builds Model rocket and Model aircraft A Model rocket is a small Rocket capable of being launched vertically by a hobbyist or amateur to generally low altitudes (usually to around 300-500 m (1000-1500 ft for Large fireworks displays are launched with complex timing sequences using a computer that energizes electric matches connected to the individual device fuses.
• A flying fish fuse (bumblebees) is an unusual type of component for fireworks. It is made like Visco fuse, but contains a metallic spark composition or other effect instead of black powder. Flying fish can thus perform as a main effect instead of just an initiator. For example, simply lighting a short piece of flying fish on the ground makes it fly through the air, seeming to swim in random directions, while emitting sparks and noise. A aerial shell loaded with many such pieces results in a beautiful myriad of pieces flying and sparking high in the air.
• A spoolette is a delay fuse consisting of a hollow wooden dowel rammed full of black powder. A spoolette is glued into the wall of a fireworks shell and ignited by the lift charge that launches the shell into the air. The spoolette, after a delay that allows the shell to reach its top of trajectory, ignites the shell's main effect(s). The tough wood construction ensures that the fuse burns reliably despite the explosive force and acceleration of the launch.
• The saucisson was an early form of fuse. In early Military engineering a saucisson ( French for a large dry-filled Sausage) was a primitive type of fuse, consisting of a long tube or

Munition fuzes

Most countries use the 'z' spelling to distinguish between simple burning fuses and more complicated munition fuzes. Examples of both spellings can be found.

A fuze refers to a device used in munitions which is designed to detonate, or to set forces into action to ignite, detonate or deflagrate, the charge (or primer) under specified conditions. Ammunition, often referred to as ammo, is a generic term derived from the French language la munition which An explosive material is a material that either is chemically or otherwise Energetically unstable or produces a sudden expansion of the material usually accompanied

Types

Types of fuzes include:

• time fuzes detonate after a set period of time by using one or more combinations of mechanical, electronic, pyrotechnic or even chemical timers. Detonation is a process of Supersonic Combustion in which a Shock wave is propagated forward due to energy release in a reaction zone behind it The term "pyrotechnics" can also be used for Fireworks events Introduced during World War II, a pencil detonator or time pencil is a chemically activated time fuze designed to be connected to a Detonator Depending on the technology used, the device may detonate (or render itself safe without detonation) some minutes, hours, days, or even months after being deployed.
• contact detonators or point detonating fuzes detonate immediately on impact with the target.
• proximity fuzes cause a missile warhead or other munition (e. A proximity fuze (also called a VT fuze for "variable time" is a fuze that is designed to detonate an explosive device automatically when the distance A missile (see also pronunciation differences) is a self-propelled explosive Projectile used as a weapon towards a target Ammunition, often referred to as ammo, is a generic term derived from the French language la munition which g. air-dropped bomb or sea mine) to detonate when it comes within a certain pre-set distance of the target, or vice versa. A naval mine is a self-contained Explosive device placed in water to destroy Ships or Submarines Unlike Depth charges mines are deposited Detonation is a process of Supersonic Combustion in which a Shock wave is propagated forward due to energy release in a reaction zone behind it Proximity fuzes utilize sensors incorporating one or more combinations of the following: radar, active sonar, passive acoustic, infrared, magnetic, photoelectric, seismic or even television cameras. Radar is a system that uses electromagnetic waves to identify the range altitude direction or speed of both moving and fixed objects such as Aircraft, ships Sonar (which started as an Acronym for sound navigation and ranging) is a technique that uses Sound propagation (usually underwater to navigate Infrared ( IR) radiation is Electromagnetic radiation whose Wavelength is longer than that of Visible light, but shorter than that of In Physics, magnetism is one of the Phenomena by which Materials exert attractive or repulsive Forces on other Materials. Introduction When a Metallic surface is exposed to Electromagnetic radiation above a certain threshold Frequency, the light is absorbed and Electrons Seismology (from Greek grc σεισμός seismos, "earthquake" and grc -λογία -logia) is the scientific study of Earthquakes Television ( TV) is a widely used Telecommunication medium for sending ( Broadcasting) and receiving moving Images, either monochromatic These may take the form of an anti-handling device designed specifically to kill or severely injure anyone who tampers with the munition in some way e. An Anti-handling device is an attachment to or integral part of a Landmine, designed to prevent tampering g. lifting or tilting it. Regardless of the sensor used, the pre-set triggering distance is calculated such that the explosion will occur sufficiently close to the target that it is either destroyed or severely damaged.
• remote detonators use wires or radio waves to remotely command the device to detonate. A wire is a single usually cylindrical, elongated string of drawn Metal. Electromagnetic radiation takes the form of self-propagating Waves in a Vacuum or in Matter. Detonation is a process of Supersonic Combustion in which a Shock wave is propagated forward due to energy release in a reaction zone behind it
• barometric fuzes cause a bomb to detonate at a certain pre-set altitude above sea level by means of an radar, barometric altimeter or and infrared rangefinder. Mean sea level (MSL is the average (mean height of the Sea, with reference to a suitable reference surface Radar is a system that uses electromagnetic waves to identify the range altitude direction or speed of both moving and fixed objects such as Aircraft, ships History The first barometer is thought to have been built unintentionally by Gasparo Berti, sometime between 1640 and 1643 An altimeter is an instrument used to measure the Altitude of an object above a fixed level Infrared ( IR) radiation is Electromagnetic radiation whose Wavelength is longer than that of Visible light, but shorter than that of A rangefinder is a device that measures distance from the observer to a target for the purposes of Surveying, determining focus in Photography, or

Usage

Many weapons have fuzing systems to ensure that they do not initiate (explode) prematurely. In most cases the munition has to travel some distance or wait for a period of time (via clockwork, electronic or even a chemical delay) before it can detonate. A clockwork is the inner workings of either a mechanical Clock or a device that operates in a similar fashion

In modern artillery shells, most fuzes incorporate several safety features to prevent a fuze arming before it leaves the gun barrel. These safety features may include arming on "set-back" or by centrifugal force, and often both operating together. Set-back arming uses the inertia of the accelerating artillery shell to remove a safety feature as the projectile accelerates from rest to its in-flight speed. Rotational arming requires that the artillery shell reach a certain rpm before centrifugal forces cause a safety feature to disengage or move an arming mechanism to its armed position - artillery shells are fired through a rifled barrel, and so spin during flight.

In other cases the bomb, mine or projectile has a fuze that prevents accidental initiation eg stopping the rotation of a small propellor so that the striker-pin cannot hit the detonator even if the weapon is dropped on the ground). A land mine is an Explosive device designed to be placed on or in the ground to explode when triggered by an operator or the Proximity of a vehicle person A propeller is essentially a type of fan which transmits power by converting Rotational motion into Thrust for propulsion of a vehicle such as an These types of fuze operate with aircraft weapons, where the weapon may have to be jettisoned over friendly territory to allow a damaged aircraft to continue to fly. The crew can choose to jettison the weapons safe by dropping the devices with safety pins still attached, or drop them live by retaining the safety pins as the weapons leave the aircraft.

Aerial bombs and depth charges can be nose and tail fuzed using different detonator/initiator characteristics so that the crew can choose which effect fuze will suit target conditions that may not have been known before the flight. Depth Charge is a character in the Beast Wars: Transformers universe The arming switch is set to one of safe, nose, or tail at the crew's choice.

Base fuzes are also used by artillery and tanks for shells of the 'squash head' type. Some types of armour piercing shells have also used base fuzes, as have nuclear artillery shells.

There also exist more complicated integrated fuzing and firing systems, typically used in missiles and special weapons.

See also

• Percussion cap
• Artillery fuzes
• Proximity fuze
• Anti-handling device
• Thermalite

References

External links

• Bomb fuze data - US guide dated 1945
• Safing, Arming, Fuzing, and Firing (SAFF) info from Globalsecurity.org
• Tutorial regarding fuzes for air-dropped bombs
• Internal view of 1940s aerial bomb fuze, featuring 2 strikers held back by single screw-thread and 2 creep springs
• 90th Infantry Division Preservation Group - page on 81mm Mortar Fuzes

Gallery of Fuzes

Fuzes fitted to M107 155mm artillery shells	Mk 53 Proximity fuze used in artillery shells	British No. The M107 155mm projectile is the US Army and US Marine Corps' A shell is a payload-carrying Projectile, which as opposed to shot, contains an explosive or other filling though modern usage includes large solid projectiles A shell is a payload-carrying Projectile, which as opposed to shot, contains an explosive or other filling though modern usage includes large solid projectiles The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, commonly known as the United Kingdom, the UK or Britain,is a Sovereign state located 63 Mk I Time and Percussion fuze, circa 1915 - used in shrapnel shells	British No. Shrapnel is the term originally applied to an anti-personnel artillery shell which carried a large number of individual bullets to the target and then ejected them forwards relying 100 Graze Fuze for high-explosive shell, World War I.
Hotchkiss base percussion fuze for artillery shells, circa World War I	British No. 25 time fuze Mk IV, 1914, used for star shells	British Time Fuze No. 31, World War I, used in trench mortars	British Percussion Fuze No. 110 Mk III, World War I, used in trench mortars
British No. 131 D. A. (Direct Action) Impact Fuse, Mk VI, World War I, used in anti-aircraft artillery	Percussion fuze for an artillery shell	British No. A shell is a payload-carrying Projectile, which as opposed to shot, contains an explosive or other filling though modern usage includes large solid projectiles 16 D Mk IV N Base percussion fuze, circa 1936	British No. 45 P Direct Action Impact Fuze, World War I, used in howitzer shells
Soviet pull-fuze designed for booby-trap purposes. A howitzer is a type of Artillery piece that is characterized by a relatively short barrel and the use of comparatively small explosive charges to propel projectiles A soviet (сове́т, "council" originally was a workers' local council in late Imperial Russia. A booby trap is a device set up to be triggered by an unsuspecting victim Detonator assembly is inserted into explosives	Alternative design of Soviet pull-fuze, usually connected to a tripwire	Soviet pressure fuze for boobytrap purposes e. A tripwire is a passive Triggering mechanism usually/originally employed for military purposes although its principle has been used since prehistory for methods of trapping g. victim steps on loose floorboard with fuze (connected to TNT explosives) concealed underneath

Trinitrotoluene ( TNT) is a Chemical compound with the formula C6H2(NO23CH3

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